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"I make a good living off this. And I don't work hard," he says. "Why shouldn't I live off my name? Isn't that the American way?"

The Candidate Who Would Inhale

Running for mayor seemed to be the next logical way to keep his name in the news. The tax-hating, anti-government Libertarian Party was more than thrilled to have him as a candidate — creating a most peculiar political alliance.

But Kramer says he embraces Libertarianism. His hippie sensibilities certainly applaud the Libertarian plan to decriminalize drugs. As you'd imagine, this candidate would never deny inhaling.

And as an independent entrepreneur, Kramer says the Libertarians actually appeal to his business sensibilities — which may now include selling autographed "Kramer for Mayor" T-shirts on eBay.

Kramer's also pro-abortion rights, anti-death penalty, and supports education vouchers, and that fits the party line. He doesn't see eye to eye with the Libertarians on eliminating handgun restrictions, but that only proves that he's more than just a party toady.

Certainly New Yorkers have seen other celebrities and fringe characters run for office. Al Lewis, better known as "Grandpa" from The Munsters, has run for governor on the Green Party ticket. Howard Stern also threw his hat in the ring, on the 1994 Libertarian lineup.

"If a wrestler can become Minnesota governor," Kramer said, "why can't I become mayor of New York?"

Several years ago, Kramer had tried to run for mayor, but he dropped out of the race. Reason: "Something came up." 'The Drinks Are on Me'

Maybe Kramer never had a chance. But his anti-regulation supporters sure do love a party. As they hunkered down at the bar, they cheered even as results showed Libertarians getting just 2 or 3 percent of the popular vote.

"Can you believe [Democratic candidate] Mark Green has a cash bar for his supporters?" said one Libertarian. "They work their butts off for him and they get charged $3 for a Pepsi." Ever the partier, Kramer spent most of the evening handing out free drink coupons.